Friday, 29 May 2009

Julie Klassen has turned her fine editing hand to writing with historical novels The Lady of Milkweed Manor and The Apothecary's Daughter. These books are beautifully written and full of interesting historical detail and engaging characters.

Enjoy this look behind the scenes of Miss Lillian Haswell:~

Brief physical description of your main character

Lillian (Lilly) Grace Haswell. Lilly is slight, has freckles, long russet-brown hair, and eyes which are green and brown both.

I had in mind British Actress Anna Friel as she appeared in the movies St. Ives and Our Mutual Friend.

Strengths and weaknesses

Lilly has a nearly infallible memory (a trait I only wish I shared) and can prepare the most complex remedies by rote. But she is also discontent; always looking for happiness “out there somewhere,” vs. appreciating the blessings (family, faith, health, friends) she already has.

Quirk (if any)

Lilly loves to run, and slips away to lope up “her hill,” although it is unladylike to do so.

Your inspiration/background for the character & story

After writing Lady of Milkweed Manor, in which the main character finds herself in the unusual career of wet nurse, my editor challenged me to think of another unusual professional for a woman to have in early 1800s England. This led to Lilly Haswell, a young woman who ends up doing the work of an apothecary at a time when it was illegal for women to do so.

I would describe a leading man as well, but Lilly has at least three suitors to choose from and readers are kept guessing at which she will choose:

Here are the handsome gentlemen who inspired me—er…that is, these characters:

Thanks Julie ~ I think you have really captured Lilly's young men well with these pictures :) Lilly certainly chose the right one - LOL!On Monday the spotlight shines on debut author Amy Clipston's Jessica and Lindsay Bedford from A Gift of Grace. See you then!

To win a copy of The Apothecary's Daughter, post a comment on or before Sunday 7th June with contact details, telling me which leading man you would choose from the pictures above! Remember, you must have an Australian postal address to be eligible.

8
comments:

I would choose Roderick Marlow, the baronet’s son from the pictures above. My very favourite book I read last year (out of about 50 books)was The Lady of Milkweed Manor (I even bought copies of it to give to people as presents!) so I would LOVE to win this book and get to read another book by Julie Klassen. Please enter me in!

I confess, I can't go past blond hair and blue eyes (I married one!!) so I would have to say Dr Adam Graves would get my vote! Thanks for another great insight into a book I have been wanting to read. Please enter me into the draw! Thanks Rel